Autopsy confirms ruling in Padron death

Preliminary autopsy results on a Big Spring man who died shortly after being found in a roadway last week confirm he was the victim of a hit and run accident, according to law enforcement officials.

Eleutario Torres Padron, 62, was discovered in the roadway by passerbys Thursday evening near the intersection of Sgt. Paredez and Trades Avenue on the city's north side, according to police reports.

Howard County Justice of the Peace Kathryn Wiseman said Monday preliminary autopsy results confirm Padron was struck by a vehicle before being left in the road.

“He suffered two collapsed lungs as a result,” Wiseman said. “He died shortly after arriving at Scenic Mountain Medical Center. The autopsy leaves no doubt that he was hit by a vehicle. His death has been ruled a homicide.”

Although there was some trouble finding Padron's next of kin following his death, Wiseman said they have been located and arrangements have been made for the 62-year old man.

“His next of kin has been notified and his body will be transported to Mexico for burial,” Wiseman said.

According to Sgt. Tony Everett, public information officer with the Big Spring Police Department, Padron's body was discovered lying in the roadway in the 600 block of Sgt. Paredez Street shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday.

“Officers found a severely injured male who was transported to the emergency room by ambulance,” Everett said. “At this time all evidence in the case indicates the victim was struck by a vehicle. He was found by a passer-by who notified police.”

Everett said no description of the suspect or suspects or any vehicle involved is currently available.

“The vehicle that struck the victim left the scene prior to him (Padron) being found,” Everett said. “ There is no suspect or vehicle information currently available to pass on at this time. Anyone who has any information on this crime should call the Big Spring Police Department.”